What's On — SymphonyHall events

Newton Faulkner Plus Support Charlotte O’Connor
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Fri 12 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Acoustic-guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner visits Symphony Hall to mark the release of his second album, _Rebuilt by Humans_, the follow-up to _Hand Built by Robots_. He says _“I had brilliant fun making this album, and hopefully it sounds that way.”_ Don’t miss the chance to hear it live. Please note this performance is currently sold out. Clicking on the below link will take you to the booking page if any returns are available. Alternatively you can call the Box Office on 0121 780 3333 to enquire.

Please note that Newton Faulkner is due on stage at approximately 8.30pm
An Anniversary Performance Of The Mikado Starring Alistair McGowan
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Sat 13 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

A special semi-staged performance to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Gilbert & Sullivan’s crowning masterpiece. Written in 1885, Gilbert had the inspired idea of transporting mid-Victorian England into the background of oriental Japan in a hilarious tale poking delicious fun at the politics and politicians of the day! Gilbert’s witty lyrics introduce a cast of comic characters that epitomise the very essence of G & S and Sullivan’s bountiful score is a sparkling gem, speeding the story along with a host of toe-tapping greats.
The all-star cast includes .. *David Curry* Nanki-Poo *Simon Butteriss* Ko-Ko *Bruce Graham* Poo-Bah *Giles Davies* Pish-Tush *Rebecca Bottone* Yum-Yum *Jill Pert* Katisha *Sophie-Louise* Dannpitti-Sing *Anna Lowe* Peep-Bo And *Alistair McGowan* As The Mikado Of Japan Richard Balcombe _conductor_ London Concert Orchestra & Chorus
University of Birmingham - Time and Tide
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Sun 14 Mar 6:00pm Symphony Hall

*University of Birmingham University Choir and Symphony Orchestra* *Colin Timms* _conductor_ *Wendy Dawn Thompson* _mezzo soprano_
*Verdi* Overture to _La forza del destino_ *Elgar* The Music Makers *Elgar* Sea Pictures *Verdi* Te Deum
The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas
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Thu 18 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

After numerous critically acclaimed national tours since 2000 and FOUR years in London’s West End, the Olivier award nominated Frank, Sammy & Dean *The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas* comes to Symphony Hall This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Back when the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted. With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again. _‘The Lady is a Tramp, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Amore’, ‘For Once In A Lifetime’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’, ‘New York, New York’, ‘My Kinda Town’ , ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Sway’, ‘Volare’, ‘Me And My Shadow’, ‘My Way’, ‘Memories Are Made Of This’, ‘What Kind of Fool’_ are just some of the songs that will be featured. If you wish you’d swung with the hardest partying pack in town, now’s your chance!
The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas
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Thu 18 - Sat 20 Mar Symphony Hall

After numerous critically acclaimed national tours since 2000 and FOUR years in London’s West End, the Olivier award nominated Frank, Sammy & Dean *The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas* comes to Symphony Hall This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Back when the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted. With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again. _‘The Lady is a Tramp, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Amore’, ‘For Once In A Lifetime’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’, ‘New York, New York’, ‘My Kinda Town’ , ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Sway’, ‘Volare’, ‘Me And My Shadow’, ‘My Way’, ‘Memories Are Made Of This’, ‘What Kind of Fool’_ are just some of the songs that will be featured. If you wish you’d swung with the hardest partying pack in town, now’s your chance!
The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas
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Fri 19 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

After numerous critically acclaimed national tours since 2000 and FOUR years in London’s West End, the Olivier award nominated Frank, Sammy & Dean *The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas* comes to Symphony Hall This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Back when the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted. With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again. _‘The Lady is a Tramp, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Amore’, ‘For Once In A Lifetime’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’, ‘New York, New York’, ‘My Kinda Town’ , ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Sway’, ‘Volare’, ‘Me And My Shadow’, ‘My Way’, ‘Memories Are Made Of This’, ‘What Kind of Fool’_ are just some of the songs that will be featured. If you wish you’d swung with the hardest partying pack in town, now’s your chance!
The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas
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Sat 20 Mar 2:30pm Symphony Hall

After numerous critically acclaimed national tours since 2000 and FOUR years in London’s West End, the Olivier award nominated Frank, Sammy & Dean *The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas* comes to Symphony Hall This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Back when the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted. With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again. _‘The Lady is a Tramp, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Amore’, ‘For Once In A Lifetime’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’, ‘New York, New York’, ‘My Kinda Town’ , ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Sway’, ‘Volare’, ‘Me And My Shadow’, ‘My Way’, ‘Memories Are Made Of This’, ‘What Kind of Fool’_ are just some of the songs that will be featured. If you wish you’d swung with the hardest partying pack in town, now’s your chance!
The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 20 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

After numerous critically acclaimed national tours since 2000 and FOUR years in London’s West End, the Olivier award nominated Frank, Sammy & Dean *The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas* comes to Symphony Hall This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Back when the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted. With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again. _‘The Lady is a Tramp, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Amore’, ‘For Once In A Lifetime’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime’, ‘New York, New York’, ‘My Kinda Town’ , ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Sway’, ‘Volare’, ‘Me And My Shadow’, ‘My Way’, ‘Memories Are Made Of This’, ‘What Kind of Fool’_ are just some of the songs that will be featured. If you wish you’d swung with the hardest partying pack in town, now’s your chance!
Dorridge Music School 25th Anniversary Concert
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Sun 21 Mar 7:00pm Symphony Hall

A night of music, dance and voice. Over 300 musicians and dancers will perform numbers from the musicals including _Wicked, Les Miserables_ and _We Will Rock You_ with a finale of Motown songs and Elgar. The show also features a guest Michael Jackson tribute act. A great night out for the whole family.
Saregama presents Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Group Simply Rahat
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Mon 22 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Following the death of the great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, an artist who reached out to millions of people across the globe, the mantle of Nusrat’s genius fell upon the shoulders of his nephew Rahat. Rahat’s ecstatic vocals are the result of years of training at the feet of his superstar uncle, and he's also world-famous for his forays into Bollywood. After a sell-out performance with the CBSO in autumn 2009, Rahat now returns with his group of twelve musicians to perform a mixed repertoire of memorable Qawwalis and his greatest Bollywood hits, from _Akhiyan Udeek Diyaan_ and _Saason Ki Mala Se Simroon Mein_ to _Jag Soona Soona Laage_ and _Jiya Dhadak Dhadak_ from blockbuster films _Om Shanti Om_ and _Kalyug_, respectively. Expect an unforgettable evening as he and his extraordinary ensemble transport you into the rapturous realms of spiritual discovery.
*Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan* _main vocalist_ *Wajahat Ali Khan, Farhat Ali, Asif Maqbool Chishti, Ghulam Abbas, Ali Raza* _chorus_ *Muhammad Shafique* _chorus & harmonium_ *Rashid Ali* _saxophone_ *Salman Ashraf* _bass guitar_ *Nadeem Ashraf* _drums_ *Suleman Ali* _keyboard_ *Amir Ali* _tabla_ *Ghulam Shahbaz* _dholak_
Muti Conducts Beethoven
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Tue 23 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

There have been few more glamorous conducting careers than that of Riccardo Muti, who has conducted the world’s greatest orchestras and spent nearly twenty years as director of La Scala, Milan. Tonight he appears at Symphony Hall for the first time, conducting two towering Beethoven masterpieces: the majestic Eroica Symphony and the timeless Violin Concerto, played by one of the finest violinists of his generation, Joshua Bell. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“Riccardo Muti and Joshua Bell go back a long way. When the violinist was just fourteen years old it was with Maestro Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra that he made his debut.”_
*Philharmonia Orchestra* *Riccardo Muti* _conductor_ *Joshua Bell* _violin_
*Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Beethoven* Symphony No 3, _Eroica_ 50’
Jethro Tull In Concert
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Wed 24 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

After forty one years at the bottom, at the top and various points in between, Tull are still performing typically more than a hundred concerts each year. Ian Anderson and Martin Barre remain at the centre of a group of sometimes changing but highly capable " indeed excellent " musicians. Currently, Doane Perry, veteran Tull drummer of some 24 years experience, together with John O’Hara on piano and accordion, and David Goodier on bass guitar are to be found in the line-up, delighting audiences and continuing the legacy of Tull’s music with its rich variety and depth of expression wherever fans, young and old, want to hear Rock, Folk, Jazz and Classical-inspired music for grown-ups.
CBSO Tuned In: The Firebird
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Thu 25 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The CBSO presents a performance of _The Firebird_ with a difference, as broadcaster Stephen Johnson gives a guided tour of Stravinsky’s famous score. Discover how the composer creates his astonishing sounds, hear how the music works, and learn the story of how Stravinsky only got the gig because his teacher Liadov was too lazy! - all illustrated with live music from Andris Nelsons and the full CBSO. Then, after the interval, enjoy a complete performance of _The Firebird_. A real eye (and ear) opener - perfect for aficionado and novice alike.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Stephen Johnson* _presenter_
*Liadov* Baba Yaga 3’ Introduction to _The Firebird_ - with live orchestral examples 45’ _interval_ *Stravinsky* _The Firebird_ (1910 version) 44’
Last Night Of The Spring Proms
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Sat 27 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Welcome the new season with this superb concert bursting with popular classics and a rousing finale of all your Proms favourites. With Proms Favourites including Rule, Britannia! Nessun Dorma Land of Hope and Glory Colonel Bogey March Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines There’ll Always Be An England
Jonathan Stoughton _tenor_ James McOran-Campbell _baritone_ Stephen Bell _conductor_ LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA
*ROSSINI* Barber of Seville Overture Largo al factotum *BIZET* Duet _from The Pearl Fishers_ Farandole _from L’Arlesienne_ *SUPPE* Light Cavalry Overture *ELGAR* Chanson de Matin *GRIEG* Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King *STRAUSS* Blue Danube Waltz *MENDELSSOHN* Spring Song *DI CAPUA* O Sole Mio *TCHAIKOVSKY* Polonaise _from Eugene Onegin_
Tuned On Seminar: A Musician's Digital Image
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Mon 29 Mar 6:00pm Symphony Hall

Everyone seems to be on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social networks. How important is it for those within music to have a digital identity? How important is it for artists and organisations to connect with an audience via the web? Are the traditional methods of media becoming more fashionable? BBC Radio 1 and Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction, Ghetts, who has over two million profile views on MySpace, and Amelia Ideh, who runs the music and lifestyle blog Put Me On It, will discuss the importance of the digital age for musicians looking to build their image.
DJ Bobby Friction Ghetts Amelia Ideh
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
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Tue 30 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 6.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *Howard Goodall* The popular conductor, composer and broadcaster introduces his new Requiem.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
The Solid Silver 60s Show
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Wed 31 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The UK’s original 60s show returns to Symphony Hall in its 25th sensational year. Expect all your favourite 60s hits including _The Crying Game_, _Little Things_, _Sweets for My Sweet_, _Needles & Pins_, _Twist and Shout_, _Do You Love Me_, _Where Do You Go To My Lovely_, _Frozen Orange Juice_, _Wild Thing_, _Love is All Around_, _Hippy Hippy Shake_, _Good Golly Miss Molly_ and many more.
*Dave Berry* *Mike Pender* *Brian Poole* *Peter Sarstedt* Backed by *Vanity Fare* with *Swinging Blue Jeans* and *The Troggs*
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
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Thu 1 Apr 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 1.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *A Century of British Choral Music* Chorus Director Simon Halsey introduces today's choral matinee.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
Good Friday St John Passion
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Fri 2 Apr 2:00pm Symphony Hall

This year Symphony Hall develops the long tradition of its Good Friday passion performances by turning to Bach’s St John Passion. Enduring in its emotional appeal, there are few who remain unmoved by the glorious music. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: _“In a world that often recognises Bach’s St Matthew Passion as the composer’s greatest choral work, his St John has a tricky time getting a look in. But the St John contains some of Bach’s most colourful and emotional music ... this concert will make for a poignant Good Friday.”_
*Ex Cathedra Soloists, Choir and Baroque Orchestra* *Jeffrey Skidmore* _conductor_ *Jeremy Budd* _Evangelist_ *James Rutherford* _Jesus_ *Greg Skidmore* _Pilate_ *Grace Davidson* _Soprano_ *Matthew Vennr* _Alto_ *Samuel Boden* _Tenor_
*J S Bach* St John Passion 115’
ULTRAVOX Return to Eden part 2
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Tue 6 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Due to phenomenal public demand, Ultravox revisit Symphony Hall, in the aptly named _Return To Eden Part II_, following amazing fan reaction, very high critical acclaim and stellar reviews from the media. The band’s line up of Midge Ure, Chris Cross, Warren Cann and Billy Currie, will only perform 6 shows across the UK. Fans can look forward to the band performing material from all their albums, including _Vienna_, _Rage in Eden_ and _Quartet_ and material not covered in the last tour. Ultravox were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the early 1980s.